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“Hearing something you’ve worked on come to life and see people react positively is the best thing you can hope for as a musician.”

My plan was to write this big ‘welcome back’ post, but screw that. I’ve gone away and come back so many times. You know that. So, I’m just going to skip all of that BS, skip over me apologizing for being absent, especially skip over me telling you I’m here to stay, because who knows if I’ll be able to keep up. What I will say is that I’m going to try my hardest to continue posting, because like you, I love music and I prefer letting people know about the good stuff out there rather than keeping it all to myself.

Now that we’ve got that awkward re-introduction out of the way…let’s move on to the real story.

The Cinema.

Some of you may have heard this band before and if you haven’t, listen up. For four years, Leighton Antelman (side note: you might recognize his name/voice from his other musical project, Lydia) and Matt Malpass (side note: he’s a genius songwriter/producer who’s worked on albums you’ve most likely played on repeat) have been joining forces to release music that leaves an effect on anyone who listens. The Cinema introduced themselves into the world with their debut, My Blood Is Full of Airplanes, consisting of ten tracks that each have a powerful sound. Three years later, they released their sophomore album, Talking in Your Sleep. Another ten songs, every single one perfection. This post isn’t me reviewing their albums. I obviously love them. This post is to introduce the new ears out there to a band they need to know.

I recently interviewed Matt and Leighton and I’m not gonna go into how excited I was to be able to interview one of my current favorite bands. That would be embarrassing…but seriously, I was so excited. I may have had a hilarious text exchange with a few friends who are very much aware of my love for this band.

Onto the interview. Meet Leighton Antelman and Matt Malpass of The Cinema.

Q. The Cinema is made up of you and Matt. How do you go about recording/writing, while not being together in the same room?

A. Leighton: It’s pretty simple, we mostly write over the internet…bouncing ideas back and forth. Then, when we got enough ideas together we hit that studio booth.

Q. What’s your process like when you first get an idea in your head for a new song? Matt: Same question.

A. Leighton: I literally just go into my own studio at my house and grind away at the idea until there is something that isn’t terrible. Then I send it off to Matt for his cold judgement.

Matt: You never know when inspiration for a new song is going to hit and when it does you want to get the initial idea down as soon as possible before it goes away. For me, I’ll usually go into the studio and put down a basic beat, or at least a kick + snare pattern, and then try to hash out whatever the chord progression is going to be. In order to not get caught up scrolling through hundreds of possible sounds and getting sidetracked, I’ll just pick a basic instrument like piano or synth pad and just hammer out the progression or main musical idea to get it down. After the tempo/main groove or beat/progression is down I’ll start filling it out a bit and then laying down scratch vocals if I have an idea for melody or lyrics. If I don’t have any ideas for the vocals I’ll just leave it blank. After I have a good skeleton down I’ll generally bounce down the initial idea and email it over to Leighton to see if he’s feeling it. If he’s down with it we’ll both start attacking the idea back and forth together, but if he’s not into it I’ll just put it into a folder I made called “Unused Ideas” — ha, at this point there’s over a dozen sessions in that folder.

Q. Your latest album, Talking in Your Sleep, I’ve listened to repeatedly. What were a few of the biggest highlights when recording that album?

A. Leighton: I’d say just the freedom we had while writing and recording it was a highlight for me. We could just record the album at our own pace, work on it whenever we felt like it.

Matt: For me the highlights of doing this album were more about the experiences involved in creating it. There are a handful of songs that were inspired by events in my life that were very memorable and kickstarted the songwriting process weeks before even getting in the actual studio. I think those were the biggest highlights for me.

Q. Leighton, you’re also in Lydia, which I’ve seen you’ve been recording new music for recently and you also have an upcoming tour with The Early November. How do you balance working on two separate projects?

A. Yeah, Lydia is wrapping up an album that will be out later this year. Sometimes it gets tricky to juggle the two, but if you want to do it, you can. I think it’s as simple as that.

Q. Matt, what’s been the best memory you can think of as a musician?

A. I think in general, just hearing something you’ve worked on come to life and see people react positively is the best thing you can hope for as a musician. So all the times things have come together and the songs come out and people enjoy them, those are the best memories for sure.

Q. Many musicians talk about the fact that the industry has changed and how much of the music you hear today is very much manufactured. How do you work to keep your music unique to the point where it stands out?

A. Matt: When starting a song I try to keep in mind that its an empty canvas with a million possibilities, you can literally do whatever you want to do, there are no rules. I’ve started writing for the next record already, and I’m more aware than ever that we can build a song however we want with whatever kind of sounds and lyrics we want, and I’m personally determined to make this new batch of songs more unique and interesting than anything we’ve released in the past. Things can get stale if you follow the same steps and same process over and over again, so I’m having a lot of fun trying to push myself and Leighton into being more creative than ever.

Q. Many artists go back and re-release new versions of songs, changing the melody or some of the lyrics. Have either of you ever wanted to do that? If so, what would you change?

A. Matt: We’ve actually talked about revisiting some of the songs we’ve previously released and doing a “remix” of sorts, with the idea of taking the music and just re-imagining it. I would like to take an older song or two and see if we can make them interesting by completely changing aspects of the music, even the chord progression or main riffs, just to find out what can come out of it. Just not sure what song(s?) to try it on!

Q. Leighton, What band or artist are you listening to these days? Matt: Same question.

A. Leighton: You know what, to be honest, I’ve been taking a break from music recently, just in general. Listening to comedy specials and podcast in the car. It’s a nice break when that’s what you do for a living.

Matt: I’ve been going back and forth listening to a few different things; been listening to a lot of hip hop lately, I love the production on J Coles Forest Hills Drive record and Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, ect. And then I’ve been hitting up the Miike Snow and Passion Pit Pandora stations to get my fill of the indie pop world. Then there’s always the 80’s Pandora stations that I can’t get away from, gotta throw that on at least once a week or so!

Q. What’s one thing you admire about the other’s talent?

A. Leighton: He’s a bigger asshole than me, It’s something I strive to pass him at one day.

Matt: I like how I can send Leighton a song that might be decent but is lacking in soul or character and he’s able to breathe life into it and turn it into a legit song that surpass and expectations I had going in. Somehow that asshole has a knack for knowing what a song needs when I can’t 100% deliver sometimes. (which isn’t often, haha)

Q. If you were both stranded on an island and could only bring one of your songs to listen to, which one would it be and why?

A. Leighton: Whoa listen to myself on repeat? That sounds terrible.

Matt: I would have to choose any of them, as long as I could hear that smooth sexy voice in my ear on repeat everything in the world would be ok! Just kidding, if I had to listen to him sing on repeat I’d probably punch myself in the head till I passed out.

The first time I wrote about Swear and Shake was in May of 2011. I remember they contacted me, sending over a video performance of their song, The Light. It took less than a minute to become enthralled by their music. There are many things I love about this band, a big one being the harmonies shared between Kari Spieler and Adam McHeffey. Over the years, Swear and Shake have become a staple in my music collection. I love uniqueness in music, and S&S defines uniqueness. Their ability to perform a song so effortlessly has made me a lifelong fan. Are you intrigued yet?

Sounds That Matter has started the new format and that means Monday brings Short & Sweet Questionnaires. Get to know Adam and Kari better and jump on the Swear and Shake bandwagon.

The song I’d love to cover is:
Adam: “Nick of Time” by Bonnie Raitt

One of the things that connects me to a song is:
Kari: The first thing I connect to when listening to music is the vocals, but I feel most connected to a song when the story is something really interesting. For instance, The Last Bison’s song “Switzerland” seems like an amazing adventure through the freezing cold to find warmth and hospitality. I love that and it transports me somewhere else.

One of the most exciting things about being on stage is:
Adam: When you see people singing a long to your song. There’s no feeling like it, especially when you’re a thousand miles from home.

If I could better myself at one thing, musically, it would be:
Kari: I would love to be the kind of songwriter that writes outside of their own personal experience. I often write about heartache and friendship, things that really happened to me, sometimes with a twist. I’d love to be a “craft” writer—not just an emotional one.

Today’s top 40 music lacks:
Adam: I’d have to listen.
Kari: More music that takes a risk and uses more creativity. I’ll tell you who’s doing great: Sam Smith! I think he’s killing it. And I’m also extremely proud of Meghan Trainor. I think her song “All About That Bass” is unique and special and she deserves all the credit in the world.

Speaking of cover songs, S&S recently released a video covering “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure. Prepare to fall in love.

What began as a solo act, Peter Verdell, released his debut album, There’s A Light. Within a short amount of time, songs from the album were being played on networks such as ABC and MTV. As the music grew more popular, Peter formed a band and together, they recorded their first EP, The Iron Is Hot, in 2012. Success struck and the band has had the opportunity to open for big acts such as Barcelona and Emery. I first came across the band about two years ago, when I was randomly browsing Spotify for new music. I clicked on “Oh My My” and a smile appeared on my face. Everything about their sound, the tone of the singers voice, I loved. Their brand new album, Steady, has just released, and if you can’t already guess, I love it. I really feel like you should get to know this band and that’s why I have this Monday treat for you. An interview with frontman, Peter Verdell.

Q. As the founding member of Act As If, what were some of your initial hopes for the band?

A. My initial hopes were all over the place (…similar to my current hopes). Sometimes I think I’d be totally happy with putting out good music as an indie band and doing small tours, getting some songs licensed here and there. And then other times, I just want things to be massive…for us to get on big tours, have our music featured in a ton of different outlets, do the label thing, etc etc. So, I’m happy about the opportunities we’ve had so far, and I’m thankful for the amazing band that Act As If has turned into (the first album was just me and a macbook and a microphone I borrowed), but I’m also anxious and optimistic for bigger and cooler things.

Q. Your career began as an A&R rep at Drive-Thru Records. This was during the time when pop-punk was all the rage. What was the driving force behind you leaving the label?

A. The driving force was simply the fact that I was spending 40+ hours behind a desk every week, out at shows lots of the nights, and just didn’t have time to be practicing or playing music. I had lots of great experiences working at Drive-Thru, but ultimately I had this inner voice telling me “You need to be playing music! You’re not going to be happy until you at least TRY!” So…I quit…starting taking some music classes at a community college, and shifted my focus towards getting better at the drums, and eventually, my songwriting.

Q. Your band has had really great success in terms of having your music featured on big TV networks. Besides your music being heard by so many, what’s your favorite thing about it playing on such large platforms?

A. Having songs placed on TV shows or being featured on blogs, etc, is important for a few reasons–obviously the “being heard by so many” is necessary if Act As If is going to keep growing and moving forward; but, it’s also just fun…and it helps drive our story forward. It gives us something to talk about, and it gives people more of a reason to take us seriously.

Q. Your brand new album, Steady, was just released a few weeks ago. Prior to this, you’ve released one other record and an EP. How is this album different from the past ones?

A. I’d like to think that everything is just…better: the songs, my voice, our band. We also recorded this album in a studio, as opposed to recording in random apartments for the past EP and full-length, so there’s an obvious sonic difference. There’s also more of Sara’s voice on this record, which I love. I just kinda said “you do your thing, girl”…and she did. She is the queen of harmonizing. And also of tambourine. She is the tambourine queen.

Q. If you could name one thing that sets you apart from all of other musicians out there, what would it be?

A. Great question…I’m not sure the best way to answer. I think every songwriter is unique, I just hope that my unique experiences can be channeled in a way that brings a sense of connection or meaning to other people. My dad died of cancer when I was five, so maybe I have bent toward thinking a lot about death, and the shortness / beauty of life. I was raised conservative/Christian, and then I got really over it, and then I sort of came back to a faith that’s much different–so I think a lot about theology / philosophy. And maybe most importantly, haha, is that I’ve been largely single for the past few years. Lots of dates and lots of nice people, but nothing that’s really stuck. So. I think all of that comes across on this new record. And hopefully, it’s a good thing…a relate-able thing.

Q. I listened to the new album in one sitting the other night. It starts off with the title track, which happens to be my favorite on the album. Can you tell me about the process of writing that song and why it’s the title of the record?

A. I’m glad you like it…it’s definitely one of my favorites. It’s about a couple different things, but it was mainly inspired by a girl who I was having ‘long-distance conversations’ with. A friend had been talking this girl up to me for awhile, and so I went on a date with her while I happened to be in her city for a couple days. We ended up talking every day after for about 6 weeks, which was pretty significant for me at the time. Anyway, I wrote this song somewhere in those 6 weeks, and then as the album was getting finished I felt more and more of a connection to the song, and even just the word “Steady.” I love it.

Q. Now that you have this new album out, do you plan touring in support of it?

A. We want to tour, but it depends on a few things. An extensive U.S. tour will probably have to wait until we can get a good support slot / someone to hit the road with. Until then, it will likely be Los Angeles and regional / west coast dates.

Q. You’ve released some lyric videos in support of the album. Any plans for a music video?

A. Yes! We have a music video for “Uh Huh” coming very very shortly, and we hope to do videos for ‘Steady’ and ‘L.A. Kid’ at some point as well.

Q. What was your favorite part about the recording process with this album? What was your least favorite?

A. My favorite part was watching my bandmates kill it…it’s so fun watching them…I’m always inspired by their talent. My least favorite part was waiting. There’s so much patience involved…and it’s hard to stay calm when things are running behind or taking longer than you’d thought.

Q. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one of your songs to listen to, which would it be and why?

A. There’s a b-side from this album called “Sooner Than You Think” (which we’ll probably release in the next couple months)…and that might be the one; we’ll see if you agree when you hear it!

Take a listen to “All Our Friends” from the new record. If you love what you hear, give these guys a chance. Their music is magnetic.

When you hear a band and learn that they’re from Nashville, you’re typically not surprised. Nashville is known for birthing incredible music, just as Paris is known for the Eiffel Tower. You go to Nashville expecting to hear great music. Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes are a Nashville based band and surprise surprise, they’re putting out some really good music. Their sophomore album, Kid Tiger, has received positive feedback from big names such as Esquire, naming them one of the top eight bands on CMJ, an online network popular for providing music to fans and music industry execs.

Their music has been heard on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Vampire Diaries, and their latest video, Phantoms, has premiered on Conan O’Brien’s, Team Coco. Needless to say, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes aren’t lacking positive feedback on their talent.

I recently interviewed singer, Daniel Ellsworth, getting a better glimpse into the band that’s turning so many heads lately, including mine.

Q. You formed your band in 2010 and have released two full length albums. Name one of the best memories while recording your first album together as a band.

​A. I think, overall, the best part of making Civilized Man was that it was the first recording I was ever a part of where it felt like an actual band, and not a solo project – everyone had input and everyone was contributing to arrangements. That, and getting to record in the same studio that some of my favorite Andrew Bird, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Lambchop albums were made.

Q. Daniel, You had some success singing on the NBC show, The Singoff. What is the best thing you took away from that experience?

​A. It was a new challenge and it made me a better musician because of it. A cappella isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but the talent and musicianship on that show was unbelievable. I learned a lot and made a lot of lifelong friends. Also, reality TV is the worst.

Q. You guys live in Nashville, a city that is home to a ton of other talented musicians. What is the best thing about living in a city that births such amazing music?

​A. The best thing about living in a city with so much amazing music is that we get to live in a city with so much amazing music. haha. But really – every week we discover a new band that we love. And the history here is unreal. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to record in studios where some of the most legendary albums of all time were made. There’s very few places with that kind of history and those kind of opportunities.

Q. Your latest album, Kid Tiger, was released in March. Out of the 12 songs on there, which was your favorite to record?

​A. Oh, man – if you ask all four of us, you’ll probably get a different answer from each. For me, I’ll say the track Idle Warning. I didn’t understand the full scope of what that song was until we tracked it and then listened back. Everyone’s individual part in that song blows my mind every time I listen to it. If ever I forget the caliber of musicians playing beside me on stage, I can just put on this track and get a very quick reminder.

Q. If you could record a song with any artist today, who would it be and why?

​A. Again, every one of us would give you a different answer on this – but for me, I’d probably say Paul Simon. He finds a way to push boundaries, both lyrically and musically, on everything he’s ever put out. He’s 73 years old and he’s still releasing amazing original music. Not only that, but you immediately know a Paul Simon song when you hear one. In popular music, that’s a feat. I mostly just want to sit down with him and absorb all his wisdom. Or maybe a collaboration project with Paul Simon, David Byrne, and Jeff Tweedy. I think we’d come up with some good stuff.

Q. Since we are almost done with 2014, name your favorite album that was released this year.

​A. Hmmm I haven’t given this enough thought yet, so it might be too early to call… the first thing that comes to mind is Vampire Weekend’s “Modern Vampires of the City.” I think it’s their best record yet. It’s great from start to finish. Others in the running for me would be St. Vincent and Spoon.​

Q. Your latest video, Phantoms, is one big food fight. Tell me where the idea came from and what your favorite part of shooting was.

​A. It was a collaborative brainstorm effort by the band and the director, Tim Duggan. We knew we wanted a performance aspect, but we also all liked the idea of including a food fight. The reverse slow motion was the directors call, and we LOVED it. Best part of shooting: watching our friends Mindy and Polly completely destroy each other in the food fight

Q. You guys have received a ton of positive feedback on your music from high sources such as Deli Magazine and Paste. Your music has also been featured on Grey’s Anatomy. What, in your opinion, has been the most exciting review you’ve received so far?

A. Paste Magazine and Deli Magazine are both great. We love those guys a lot. Esquire Magazine got behind us in a big way this year, and that was really huge for us, too. I don’t know if there’s one I’d pinpoint as most exciting. If anyone loves our music, whether it’s a small music blog or a national publication, that’s exciting for us.

Q. You funded your first record using Kickstarter. What was that like having fans help in the process of creating your first album?

​A. It was really amazing. It felt like a really great way to connect with our fans, which we loved. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to make the record we wanted to make. They are, without a doubt, the reason that we still get to do what we do.​

Q. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only bring one of your songs to listen to, which would it be and why?

Currently, the guys are on tour to promote their newest record, Kid Tiger. Wanna see them live? If you live in Indianapolis, here’s your chance! Playing at the Hi-Fi this Tuesday, November 18, the guys will take the stage. For a chance to win two tickets, all you have to do is comment below, telling me what your favorite song of theirs is and why. I’ll select the winner tomorrow night. Good luck!

Here’s their video for Phantoms. Warning: After watching, you may want to have your own food fight.

It’s been over seven months since I last posted on Sounds That Matter. This means, for seven months I’ve been listening to a ton of incredible music and not writing about it.

And I’ve missed it.

So, I’m back. I’m back to write about new artists that I can’t stop playing on my car rides. New bands that make my work day better. Music that gets me through the tough times. I’m back to write about all of that, in hopes that it somehow inspires you to check out my recommendations. After all, that’s the point of music blogging, isn’t it?

Let’s get started.

This past Sunday, I was invited to check out English rockers, Dinosaur Pile-Up. They were openers for Brand New, who I’m sure you’ve heard of. I didn’t know much about the band, but was eager to learn as much as I could before the interview took place. I immediately went on Spotify to check them out. The moment I clicked play, I knew I had to make them my “welcome back” post.

Their music is energetic. Their talent is ginormous. These three men have a knack for holding an entire room’s attention.

Prior to their soundcheck, I had the opportunity to chat with the guys, giving me and you more insight into who exactly Dinosaur Pile-Up is. Before you read the interview, make sure to play one of their songs in the background. It will make for a much more enjoyable read, I promise.

Q. What kind of fan interactions have you encountered on this tour so far? What was the most memorable one?

A. We got to meet a lot of the people at the show yesterday, after Brand New played. It’s all very positive. Everyone is really lovely. There was a girl last night, Kendra, that had that crazy energy. She was so nice and interesting to talk to. Really funny. We always hang out at the merch stand, after the shows, and people come up and talk to us. It’s nice for us because it’s weird for us. Like, we are in America, so it’s nice to engage with people and make it real and everything.

Q. What does success mean to you guys?

A. This. Being able to do what we love, every day. Being able to come on wicked tours in America.

Q. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

A. Self doubt. Often I feel like a lot of the songs we have is quite introspective. Sort of biographical. I feel like it’s a lot like internalizing thoughts. Writing for me is quite cathartic, and playing with the boys, us bringing a song together is also cathartic. I really like when I have four days or even a day, where I don’t have to see anybody or do anything, and I have shit that I’m thinking of and I can just kind of churn that out into a tune, which I know eventually we’ll be playing as a three. That’s kind of a nice feeling.

Q. Do you feel it’s been a challenge crossing over and getting recognition in the U.S.?

A. Haven’t really thought of it like that before. It’s just been like coming over and focusing on the tour, and seeing what happens. We’ve played three times before in the U.S. Our songs have gone to radio, which is cool for us because America is so big and has so many markets. It blows our minds and never gets old.

Q. Tell me about some of the places you’ve played so far. What has been one of the best spots?

A. San Diego. That’s nice. New York. Everywhere is cool. Each show has a cool individual memory. The rock in Tucson, Arizona. That was amazing.

Q. How do you prepare for a live show?

A. Get really nervous. Drink loads of whiskey. Go on stage. A three step process. I get super nervous before every show still.

A. I never really like saying exactly what a song is about for me, because it could be different for someone else, but I guess it’s about kinda being unstable in yourself and kinda falling off the tracks a little bit. Just going through that shitty journey and deciding what you need to keep in your life, and what you don’t need to keep.

Q. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only bring one of your songs to listen to, which would it be and why?

A. Probably Melanin, from the EP. It’s got so many different parts and it would be hard to get sick of.

Currently, the band is on tour with Brand New, so if you have tickets for an upcoming show, be sure to arrive early and check them out. They’re put on an incredible live set, that you don’t want to miss.

Here’s the video for my favorite song, Derail, off of their current album, Nature Nurture.

“It took many years of practice and honing in on the craft, but I eventually found my own voice and a unique message to sing about.”

Let me start off by saying, this is long overdue. A few months back, I interviewed Andrew Belle, and I had every intention of posting it before his new album release, but alas it didn’t happen.

Black Bear, his newest album came out one month ago, and I can’t stop raving about it. It’s different from Andrew’s first album, The Ladder, but not in a bad way. I find myself tapping my foot more, wanting to repeat each song more than I did with his first album.

The attention for Andrew’s music has grown considerably over the years, and if you’ve ever gone to one of his live shows, you understand why. His talent is so close to perfection, it’s really not even fair. You watch him perform and wonder to yourself how in the world he can be so talented. He has the power to make you feel things through his lyrics, and that is a gift in itself.

As I said earlier, a few months ago I e-mailed some questions over to Andrew, and if you’re unfamiliar with him, these questions will allow you to get to know him. I encourage you to listen to every song he’s ever released, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself zeroing in on each word Andrew sings and in that moment feel as if a little piece of your world is perfectly intact.

Q. What was it that drew you into music? Was it a certain song/lyric, a musician performing, or an epiphany? What grabbed you by the shoulders and shook you and said, “This is what you need to do!”?

A. When I was a sophomore in college, I went to a concert and the opening act was a band I had never heard of called ‘Brand New’. I was so captivated that I no longer cared about the band I was originally there to see. I went home, downloaded all of their music, and studied every syllable. I was fascinated by the level of depth and cleverness poured into the lyrics, and I was immediately inspired to emulate what I was hearing. It took many years of practice and honing in on the craft, but I eventually found my own voice and a unique message to sing about.

Q. I read in an interview that you listen to Radiohead a lot, and that you only got into their music within the past few years. What other bands have you been exposing yourself to for inspiration?

A. It’s true – I was late to the party in regard to Radiohead. It’s sorta cliche now to claim them as an influence – but who can deny their genius? I’d say they were sort of an blanket influence in respect to the quality of music I wanted to strive to make. More specifically, however, I was inspired a lot by Washed Out, Beach House, and M83.

Q. I’ve seen on your twitter/blog that you’re a food lover. Is it hard to eat healthy on the road/tour? If so/or not – Why?

A. It’s nearly impossible without a fair amount of planning ahead. At this stage, tour itineraries and logistics are so overwhelming that there just isn’t the time to go too far out of our way in search of a Whole Foods or something. The name of the game is usually just trying to avoid that 2 A.M. pizza indulgence that ends up haunting you for the rest of the tour.

Q. When you’re performing, what do you hope that people take from your performance?

A. I’m relatively new to performing and so honestly, I’m usually just trying so hard to sing in pitch that I kinda forget about the rest of it. There are moments though, here and there, where I get into a rhythm and I can sorta take it all in. In those moments, I hope that people 1.) are glad to be there and 2.) realize that all music and all talents are gifts from God; that all glory should be deflected from us, and onto him.

A. There is a very nice woman who usually comes out to our Denver shows, and brings us crazy looking candy and sparkly pom-poms. It’s the best.

Q. What’s the most humbling thing you’ve heard about your music or said about you as a musician/song writer?

A. In the past few years, I’ve received several messages that have been extremely humbling. One from a U.S military veteran who told me he would listen to the Ladder during his down time in Iraq. A note from a woman who had a serious illness and said that she would listen to my music while receiving treatment for hours at a time. Another from a family whose child had a serious mental handicap who said my album was constantly being played in their house because it was one of the few things their child would respond to. Things like that are beyond humbling and help put my work into perspective when I find myself getting stressed out or frustrated with trivial details.

Q. Do you have an item that you wear or take with you onstage at every performance? Or even a pre-show ritual?

A. In this new season of live shows, my Avocado shaker has made regular appearances. It reminds me of my wife.

Q. Your new album, Black Bear, is set to be released this summer. What can fans expect and how is it different from what you’ve already released?

A. It’s pretty much in keeping with the projection and trajectory of my work to date. If you listen to the Daylight EP, you can maybe start to get a sense of where things are headed, sonically. I wrote all of the songs the way I always do – with emphasis on lyrics and melodies – but we took a few more risks, and experimented a lot more with fun, ambient sounds on this one. I made the album I really wanted to make and I really hope people can appreciate it.

I know I’ve made you curious about Andrew’s music, so here’s my favorite song off of Black Bear titled Pieces.

We put ourselves into everything we do, nothing is contrived, therefore when a large group of people is impacted by what we create, we have somewhat of a spiritual connection with them. It’s really beautiful. If I was able to feel that on a large scale every day, that would be more success than I could ever hope for.

Music can have this magical ability to enter your life and make you feel things powerfully and all at once. This incredible force can give you inspiration, comfort, or something that you didn’t even know you needed. That’s exactly what Flagship did. They came into my life unsuspectingly and I’ve only benefited from their arrival. After only listening to one song I was hooked. The pounding beat of the drums, the ethereal keening of the guitar, and the singer Drake’s haunting melodic voice that seems to go on forever, all enraptured me. They create such incredibly extraordinary music. I know this sounds like a bit of an exaggeration but it’s coming from the most sincerest of places, my heart. This incredible music must be shared and admired among others. There is a certain quality that I can’t narrow down about Flagship’s music and maybe it’s supposed to be that way. Flagship is one of those bands that has a little bit of celestial mystery to them and it only makes me want to discover more. I will cease my attempt to explain what their music makes me feel, and give you a chance to discover it for yourself. They already have an EP out titled “Blackbush” which I highly recommend and they’re coming out with a self-titled full length album on October 8th! I can’t wait to hear what they’ve made! So please, listen to them and give them a chance. Open your hearts and minds because … they just transcend. They transcend so beautifully.

Q. What does success mean to you guys? Whether it be winning awards, acknowledgment from one of your idols, or just putting your work out for the world to hear?

A. Well, I think we can define success in many different ways. We all believe that we were born to make music, so the ability to continue to make music while supporting ourselves is a basic form of success in our eyes. That being said, there are few greater feelings than having a large group of people connect with something you put your heart into. We put ourselves into everything we do, nothing is contrived, therefore when a large group of people is impacted by what we create, we have somewhat of a spiritual connection with them. It’s really beautiful. If I was able to feel that on a large scale every day, that would be more success than I could ever hope for.

Q. I feel as if your music demands to be heard. I’m not sure if that makes sense but when I first heard your music it was so intense and jarring in the best possible way that I couldn’t help but be moved. What reaction were you hoping to get from your fans?

A. Wow, that is an amazing compliment and we really appreciate it. The writing process for our music is often intense. We will get in a room together with our instruments and start jamming on something together. We sometimes push these jams so hard, that when we finally finish we are all speechless because it was literally like we got our hearts out through sound. I mentioned it earlier, but we really invest ourselves into the music we make. We really just hope that people hear it and can hear our personal investment in an audible way. The music is very real, and we hope that it helps people connect to real feelings in their lives. I love your description of your reaction to hearing our music, I would be more than happy if people responded in the same way. Jarring, intense, demanding to be heard. That’s rad.

Q. Where did the name Flagship come from? Does it hold a special meaning?

A. We always get this question, and we seem to stumble through it a bit. Drake started a band years and years ago called Flagship Brigade. We dropped the Brigade and just kept the flagship name. Sometimes we like to say that we would like to be a Flagship for our sound in the music industry, but that’s more just like a random answer we put together to sound intelligent.

Q. When you’re performing live, what are you trying to achieve throughout the show that you hope people will take with them when they leave?

A. I like to think of our concerts as somewhat of a roller coaster ride. There are ups, and downs, and usually someone throws up. Okay, that last part was a joke, but there are definitely ups and downs. We typically try to push the whole spectrum of human emotion whenever we are performing live. We will play one song that evokes excitement and joy ( I compare it to sprinting through a beautiful field during sunset, but that’s just my vision), then we will play another song that evokes feelings like a lost love or a dark point of life. Our main goal is to create and portray exactly what we feel, but if we can help people connect to a deeper emotion in their mind through our music, then we have accomplished something great. It’s truly exciting to know that you can have a major influence over someone’s mind just through making sounds and evoking thoughts and feelings.

Q. As a band, is it hard creation-wise? To share your music or lyrics together? Does it come easily or are you guys somewhat hesitant at times?

A. We have all been creating music for so long now that most self conscious hesitation has passed. We all have a mutual respect for each other, and know that if something doesn’t work out, it’s not to be taken personal. The level of personal respect really makes the creative process an extremely relaxed and enjoyable time. We are very fortunate to be able to get into a room and crank out a lot of song ideas. We really work with each other really well, so that’s exciting. We know what we need to do to make good music, so we just do it. We sort of have our own little recipe, and it has worked out so far.

Q. What kind of fan interactions have you encountered so far? What are the most memorable ones?

A. Hmm, I have to think about this one for a minute. Whenever we tour, we typically get a great response from fans. They seem to really get involved with the music during the show, even without knowing any of the music at all. It’s fantastic! There are definitely some crazy towns in this country with very interesting people. We once played a show in a random town in the Southern United States ( which I won’t name). We met a fan after the show who loved the music and invited us all out to a bar. We decided to follow her ( I was actually riding with her in the car, where she proceeded to tell me how she would like to join the band, even though I told her we weren’t looking for an extra female vocalist). Whenever we got to the bar, it was closed, and I jumped in the van with everyone. She came up to the window and told us to follow her to another bar, and she told our tour manager that if we stood her up she would punch him in the face if he ever came back. We didn’t go to the bar, so our tour manager better watch out for that southern fist.

Q. When, where and how do you come up with your songs? Is there a specific time/place you get inspired?

A. Well first and foremost we are typically way more inspired at night. Usually after 11pm or so. We play better and we write better then. There is no specific place that inspires us more than another, but I will say the more beautiful the place, the better. We spent a few weeks last summer at a cabin in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. We wrote a good chunk of the album tracks while we were there and it was a great experience for everyone.

Q. The music business can be a harsh and unkind world. Everyone in this business faces rejection and hardships. Assuming you guys have gone through this, what helps you get through the rough times? What is your driving force? What would you tell fellow aspiring musician?

A. The music business can definitely be a nasty nasty place, but fortunately we are signed to a label that truly loves music, and believes in pushing good music to the world, so in that direct aspect of the music business, we are extremely lucky. We couldn’t ask for a better team. I think we all believe that music is a part of our nature. I believe that I was born to make music regardless of how popular it becomes. Music is literally just as natural as breathing or eating, so regardless of what’s happening on the business side, I will constantly make music in my life, and everyone in my band feels the same way. Our driving force is our deep connection to the music that we make. I am constantly driven to create, because I am more at home when I am making music than when I’m not. Any aspiring musician that’s trying to “make it” needs to remember that people constantly connect to what is real. If you have talent in what you are doing, and you are consistently creating something that is extremely real to you, people will pick up on it. When it comes to the business aspect, persistence is key. Be an honorable person and don’t step on anyone to better yourself. Success and popularity are never guaranteed, so make sure you love and have fulfillment in what you do no matter if 5 million people are listening, or if your mom and dad are the only people that bought your album. You will always want a little bit more, so if you aren’t finding fulfillment in the moment, you will never find it.

First off, I want to thank Crystal for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Lastly but definitely not least, I would like to thank Michael for graciously taking the time to answer my eagerly put together questions. I humbly thank you both very much.

Huge thank you to Lysandra for guest blogging and taking the time to interview Michael of Flagship. She introduced me to them and I’m so happy for that. Can’t stop listening to them!

Who’s in the mood for some lovely new tunes? Recently, I initiated a romance with Little Chief’s music, and it was a must that I interview them for the blog. Who is Little Chief you ask? They’re a fantastic new folk band out of Fayetteville, AR. Their brand new EP, Somewhere Near the River, has just released, and it ‘s seriously one of the breakouts of the summer (in my opinion).

As most of you know, I’m pretty busy right now writing my second novel, and because of that I invited a fantastic girl onto the blog to help me with a few interviews. Lysandra Fisher did a wonderful job putting together some really great questions for the band, giving up an opportunity to get to know them and their music a little more. Big thank you to her and singer, Matt Cooper for taking the time to answer the questions.

Q. What do you guys hope to achieve through your music?

A. The best part about music is that the moment it starts, people listen. Everyone wants to hear new music. They want to connect to it. That’s just how we’re made. Music brings people together, and after our tour in May, we realized that there’s no better way to make new friends than by playing music for them. As a band, we have so much fun playing on stage and we don’t want to keep that to ourselves. By the end of the night, we want you to have just as much fun as we do and leave the show knowing that you’re a part of the Little Chief family, just as much as we are.

Q. How have your fan interactions been so far? Anything memorable?

A. Our fan interactions so far have been incredible. Everybody is looking for something new in music right now, and we’re really looking to give them something new and authentic that they want to tell their friends about. When it comes to show, our fans have come out in numbers and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing new faces at every show. Some of our super fans in the past have even made their own Indian headdresses to wear at the show. How awesome is that?

Q. Why did you guys want to pursue folk music instead of any other genre?

A. Folk music uses a lot of acoustic instruments and, for us, that provides a lot of room to be genuine and authentic in our songwriting. It’s all about story-telling and really conveying something that your audience wants to hear. There are so many different ways to play folk music so it really gives us a ton of room to be creative. It’s a genre of music that’s just real and honest.

Q. What type of music are you listening to now that’s inspiring you?

A. We listen to a lot of folk bands similar to us like The Oh Hellos, The Head and The Heart, and The Lumineers. They’re all incredible songwriters and it’s inspiring just listening to those guys. Besides that though, we listen to a lot of indie stuff. Local Natives, Givers, The Killers, and we love Arcade Fire. Who doesn’t love a band that brings 10-15 people on stage, you know?

Q. Do you guys like touring so far? Has the road been treating you nicely?

A. Touring is incredible. We just finished up our first tour as a band and we had so much fun. There’s just something about going to a new city, playing music, meeting new people, and then going to sleep and doing it all over again. We went to Dallas, Waco, Columbia, MO, Shreveport, LA, and a few other cities, and every crowd was incredible. We’ll be coming back to those cities as soon as possible. Ellie wasn’t with us on the tour since she’s spending the summer in Peru, but the four of us carried on and we’ve come to realize that touring is addictive. What is not addictive though is the amount we spent in gasoline. All four of us piled in, gear and all, into this 2001 Suburban. Completely full with our guitars, cellos, bass, and a full drum kit, this land yacht was getting around 10-12 miles per gallon. We traveled near 2,500-3,000 miles, so our gas bill was pretty big, but we pulled into Fayetteville (our hometown in Arkansas) at the end of the tour and we were like, “That was awesome. Let’s just tour forever.”

Q. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

A. You know, as young songwriters, that’s something we think about constantly. The majority of the band members are only 20 years old, and that has definitely become one of our strengths. We have a good idea about what we want to sound like, but collectively, we’re looking to stay original and creative. I think our songs will always be relatable, whether they’re stories or about relationships. Music is all about connecting with people and the moment we stop writing about things our audience can relate to, we lose a huge part of what we’re all about. With the tour over, we’re in writing mode, working on new material for the next release.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

A. As young college students, the biggest challenge hasn’t been finding venues or convincing fans to like our Facebook page, but simply just having enough money upfront for things like CD duplication, merchandise at shows and transportation. We’ve been really thankful for the massive fan support we’ve had. This isn’t just our band anymore. So many hands have worked and continue to make Little Chief what is, from helping design our website, sending us artwork, and just spreading the word about us to their friends. It seems like in music there’s always this wall that separates the musicians from the fans, and that’s not us. The moment you come to a show, you know you’re a part of the Little Chief family. It just happens. Anytime we meet a new fan or get an e-mail about someone finding our music, we tell them, “Welcome to the Tribe.” That’s what we’re all about: we’re just a giant tribe of people who love to play good music and have fun doing it and we want everyone to be a part of that.

Q. How did you come up with the name “Little Chief”? Does it hold a special meaning?

A. One night, Matt’s roommate Shea was just throwing out these awful band name suggestions like “The Red Couches” and “Dirty Hamper.” Awful names. Then randomly, he throws out Little Chief, and we’re like, “Oh. That’s good.” So we google “Little Chief” and not much comes up, except for this old website. We’re talking the internet days of 2003-type website. It’s this page for a town called Little Chief in Oklahoma and this older gentleman has the only post on this website, and on the site he says, “I lived in Little Chief, OK for a year back in 1952. It used to be an oil-boom town, but now nobody lives there. No businesses, no people, just empty buildings.” Little Chief, OK is a literal ghost town, so we’re like, “Okay, this is awesome” and that’s how the Tribe began.

Ever heard of Wayne Szalinski? No, no. It’s not the dude who you’re thinking of, the one from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. It’s actually a band. A really great band from East Lansing, Michigan. Four guys – Andy Milad, Andrew Adams, Ian Siporin, and Nick Galli formed together in April of last year, picked a badass name for their band, and have been making music ever since. The guys first self-titled EP came out in September of 2013, and recently just released another EP, Fondly Truly. What struck me about these guys is their sound. It’s quirky, it’s unique, and each song has so much character. From first listen, I was a fan and I was super excited to interview the quartet for the blog. So, here it is. Meet Wayne Szalinkski.

Q. Are you big Rick Moranis fans?

A. We are, we are! Probably not the most learned fans, but obviously we’re quite fond of him in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. I can’t wait to hear My Mother’s Brisket and Other Love Songs. I can only hope Rick Moranis is as talented a musician as Steve Martin or Jeff Daniels. Agoraphobic Cowboy was a hoot.

Q. Your band recently released an EP, Fondly Trutly, which contains five songs that truly showcase your bands talent. Tell me how the concept (if any) of this EP came about.

A. I was just laughing the other day about this. Despite all my attempts to stray away from lyrically traditional topics, I still find myself writing love songs. The Fondly Truly EP is a wholeheartedly melancholy work; although, I suppose our debut EP Wayne Szalinksi isn’t too happy either. Fondly Truly takes a resigned approach to love and sadness. It’s reluctantly accepting of those things that you cannot change. “Will you be there in the morning? And every morning? “Today I exist only in consequence” “Selfish and faultless” These lyrics stand out particularly because of their struggle with those impossibilities. Can anyone love unconditionally and forever? Do I exist only in my relativity? Where do we find the balance of loving oneself while considering another? These are the kind of questions I grappled with in writing. I discovered places within myself that I didn’t know existed and a duality that I struggled with, perhaps most evidently in “Two and Two”.

Q. If you were trying to describe your music to a person who has never heard it, how would you describe it?

A. We like to imagine ourselves as Smiths inspired indie-rock with a sprinkling of math-rock to taste.

Q. Your band hails from New Lansing, MI. Do you receive a positive response in the music scene there? Are there any other cities you’ve visited where you have a big following?

A. We have a great musical community here in East Lansing and Michigan as a whole. We’re looking to expand further into the Great Lakes. We always love visiting Chicago and really enjoyed Cleveland on our last tour. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to make it out to Pittsburgh and Milwaukee soon, those are two cities we’ve been trying to break into.

Q. Tell me about some of the places your band has played? Which venues were your favorite?

A. We had such a fantastic time at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Cleveland. The venue is this incredible multipurpose location not only are there great stages and sound, but the location features these spectacularly groovy 70’s style bowling alleys. The Tree Bar was another favourite of ours. The venue used to have a huge tree growing out of it; unfortunately it still had to be cut down, but the stump remains and the bar has a great vibe to it.

Q. Every band has dreams of playing with a specific artist or band. Is there someone out there who you guys dream of sharing the stage with someday?

A. Oh wow. I feel absurd even answering this question, it would be such an honor to perform with any of the artists we idolize. Most are completely unfeasible and out of our league, others are opposite our genre. We’ll never even have to opportunity to perform with the Smiths or Anathallo, both bands that no longer play and are simply too legendary. I’d love to find myself on a bill with Two Door Cinema Club or Darwin Deez, Jens Lekman or Toro y Moi, all artists I really enjoy. We were so close to finding ourselves on the bill with This Town Needs Guns (TTNG) and Tokyo Police Club but we missed the opportunity. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to play with both bands in the future.

Q. You’re currently touring the Midwest. Do you have future plans to tour other parts of the US?

A. We dream of making it out to the West Coast, but it’s far from realistic at this point in time simply due to cost. As we build a fanbase and stretch tendrils into other parts of the country, hopefully we’ll be able to make our way out there. More realistically, we’re aiming to hit the East Coast much sooner. I’ve always wanted to explore Boston and Philadelphia, I hear great things.

Q. My favorite song off the new EP is probably Sweetness. It’s super upbeat and holy cow, Andy’s voice is incredible. Tell me the idea behind the song.

A. Thank you truly for the complement, it’s always great to hear our music has made an impact. Writing this song was very organic for us as a group. I think the strain of the vocals and dynamics of the song complement the lyricism quite well. I’m rarely satisfied, but with “Sweetness” I am content. All of the songs on the EP nod to specific individuals in my life, but Sweetness is perhaps the most specifically referential of anything I’ve ever written. I know exactly each instance, each moment where the corresponding lyric derives from. I still remember that fragile line of poetry, something sprung unexpectedly from the backseat on some spontaneous venture to see Mayer Hawthorne in Royal Oak. I remember debating whether to drop by that person’s apartment and wondering who else I might find within. And the recurrent feeling of sitting silently in complete darkness at 4am in the morning sinking in the sadness of knowing that all things would end. In my heart, “Sweetness” is still a love song. Next to “Some Collagist” it’s the saddest love song I could possibly envision. “Sweetness” begins with the notion of nothingness, the feeling that you only exist in the mind of another, and all the while wondering if you’re even present. It’s about being far from that person, even as you love them so, grasping onto every word once said, waiting to at last hear their whisper at the end of the night that you’re unsure will ever come. “Sweetness” expresses that hopelessness in knowing that despite everything, things will end before their time.

Q. Quirky question. What’s your favorite song playing on Top 40 radio right now? I know that a lot of what’s playing is crap, but there are actually a few songs I could pick at this time.

A. There’s a lot of great music being made, I’m not a huge lover of Top 40 but there’s something wonderful about the popularity and commonality that brings people together in mutual knowledge of the song. I loved being able to sing Beyonce’s Countdown with friends for that reason. Currently, I’m really into Justin Timberlake’s new album, he’s always been an inspirational figure in pop culture and has had a truly remarkable career.

Q. What is your favorite part about touring?

A. The people. Touring is made out to be such a dream, but in reality, washing yourself with hand soap in a public bathroom and eating PBJ every day isn’t what makes it such a thrill. The thrill lies in the risk, knowing that in each location, you’re counting on the hospitality of the locals for a place to sleep, to help fund gas to the next location, and to support you in your musical ventures. We have been so lucky to develop such wonderful relationships with everyone we’ve met on the road. Every single night we’ve had a roof over our heads and a place to sleep, which is more than anyone could ask for. Music is an essential part of the human experience and it connects people in beautiful ways.

“We chose this lifestyle, and even though it’s hard sometimes, it’s the best thing we could ever experience in our lives.”

Claudio Pallone, Carlo Prisco, Alfonso Fusco, and Stefan Olsson are the four members that make up the band, Emmecosta, achieving the super unique sound that is grabbing peoples attention left and right. When this band was first introduced to me, I was actually taken aback at how put together their sound was, but they haven’t really gotten their foot in the door quite yet. Their music sounds so mastered and rehearsed, almost like they’ve been playing in a band together for most of their lives. Their newest single, The Answer, brings freshness to the airwaves, I’m sad it only lasts a little less than four minutes. I recently interviewed the guys, taking a look at their lives as a band living overseas.

Q. How did the four of you come up with the name for your band? Is there a significant meaning behind it?

A. We were 15 years old and we were looking for a name that didn’t exist but that meant something for us. We were 5 in the band by that time, so we decided to use “Emme”, that in Italian means “M”, same shape of the Cassiopeia constellation made of 5 stars, particulary visible from our hometown Positano (on the Amalfi Coast), and Costa , that in Italian means coast.

Q. You started out in Italy and are now living in Sweden, but your music seems to be gaining recognition in the US. Do you feel like it’s much easier for your music to gain popularity with people from any country because of social networking?

A. Social networking is actually the only way we have to spread our music in countries where we haven’t yet been playing, like USA for example.

Q. Your music is very unique compared to what is playing on the airwaves now. What do you feel makes your sound different?

A. Simply the fact that we want to sound unique. We all listen to different kinds of music and when we meet in the studio we try to melt our personal musical influences into something that sounds unique, for all of us.

Q. Your live show has been quoted as “highly polished.” How do you prepare for a live show? Are there any pre-show rituals you can clue us all in on?

A. Our only ritual is to play football, wherever it is, just before a gig, and hug each other right before going on stage. It warms us all up in a particular way.

Q. You guys have released a few new songs recently, one being a song called, Ghosts. Can you tell me what inspired you to write this song?

A. Our songs get inspiration by everything that happens to us. Our moving to Sweden, adapting to a new society. Surviving in it. Ghosts talks about a guy that commits suicide because of his impossibility to adapt to the world, and once dead, he sees things in a totally different perspective…and regrets to have killed himself.

Q. Speaking of inspiration, what are some of the things that make you want to write a song? Is there anything you steer clear of?

A. Our friendship, our dreams together, our sorrow, our happiness. We live together, and every morning when we wake up, it feels like a new adventure is starting. We chose this lifestyle, and even though it’s hard sometimes, it’s the best thing we could ever experience in our lives.

Q. Do you guys have any plans to tour in the US? If so, what cities are you looking forward to stopping in?

A. Of course we would love to play in USA. To make that possible,we’d probably need an agency that can take care of it. I’d choose any city in USA, maybe a preference for Seattle, where my brother lives (Claudio).

Q. In the past, you guys took a break from music to regroup. You decided to leave Italy and move to Sweden. Do you guys feel like to this day, that decision was one of the best you ever made for your band?

A. Absolutely. We come from a small town, in a small minded country, with a big dream and a big friendship. One day I woke up and I thought that what we needed, first of all, was to live the world, get inspired by it. Not only by our escaping hometown dreams. We feel proud because we have taken a big step, leaving everything, our families, and with nothing but our friendship, we started this adventure that is slowly bringing us where we wanted: In a place where we could speak.

Q. You have seemed to compete in many different competitions. Which one was your favorite and why?

A. The best competition we participated was “EMERGENZA”. It gave us the chance to play on the biggest stages in Europe (Szieget, Taubertal) and the funniest part was in the world final of the competition ( 20 bands participating out of 30,000 from all over the world) , we were representing Sweden. The worst competition, which we won with the title of “Upcoming Band of the Year,” was “Tour Music Fest”. An Italian contest, although well known in the music scene, that promised the winner a European Tour. What we actually won, was the chance to play 15 minutes in a Venue inside the O2 Arena, London (travel paid mostly by us). Perhaps that made us understand even more how good our choice was to leave Italy.

Q. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one of your songs to listen to, which would it be and why?

A. We’d bring the whole new EP, which we haven’t yet released. The new songs are going to be something really important to us. We believe it will be a big step for us. We shaped an even more unique sound, and we hope that we’ll be able to finally play it in USA.

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Dear Musicians

Tonight I got to thinking about all of the bands I've had the privilege of interviewing on this site so far. For so long I've thought about being able to surround myself in music and now that I'm doing it, I feel complete. Some people have a stigma about what they think most musicians are like; they're complete douchebags or all they care about is making money or adding more notches to their bedposts. Maybe some are like that, but I have yet to come across one. Every artist that I've spoken to has inspired me in some way or another. The reason I've featured them is because their music has caught my attention. I wanted to make this post more of a thank you letter to every musician I've come across so far and maybe in some way, people's assumptions about musicians will change. So, here it goes.

I cannot thank you enough. I know all you did was either answer a few of my boring questions or recorded yourself singing one of your songs, but to me it's much more than that. Your music has made me the person I am today. Here comes the mushy part. My life has been a complete roller-coaster, having way more drops than one ride should have. If it weren't for your songs, I may not be here today. Through all of the heartbreaks, your music healed the broken parts. Through the deaths, your music brought me back to life. You are what makes the world go around. From the bottom of my heart, I am so appreciative for your courage to write down your emotions for all the world to see.